Phormidium pseudpriestleyi

Phormidium pseudpriestleyi is a cyanobacterium - a gram-negative, oxygen-producing, photosynthetic bacterium. It was first described from samples collected on Ernest H Shackleton’s expedition to the Antarctic in 1907.

Cyanobacteria were initially described as algae in the 18th century, before scientists realised they were bacteria. Therefore, they are also called Cyanophyta or blue-green algae based on their blue-green coloration.

Phormidium pseudpriestleyi lives in the Antarctic and is very well adapted to life in extreme conditions.

It produces antifreeze compounds to protect itself against extreme cold, and pigments that protect against intense UV radiation. It is also adapted to survive long periods without light and nutrients.

Often these cyanobacteria completely cover the shallow zones of ponds and lakes with orange-green bioflims.

About the author

Researching cyanobacterial diversity and ecology in the Genomics and Microbial Biodiversity Division, Department of Life Sciences.

Author's quote

"I chose Phormidium pseudpriestlyi because it was first described from samples collected by scientists James Murray and Raymond E Priestley as part of the British Imperial Antarctic expedition to Antarctica (Nimrod Expedition, 1907–1909) led by Ernest H Shackleton during the heroic age of Antarctic exploration. It is part of the Cryptogamic collection at the Natural History Museum."